Growing up, I remember a time when all statues were covered perhaps in purple. I also remember extra mirrors being covered in the house too.
Was this during Lent or some other time? What was the significance of this and why do we not do this anymore?
Thanks!

You see it during lent. As we go through the practice of lent....you'll still see sanctuaries becoming more and more stripped as we go through that special season. I know that on Good Friday in our parish...EVERYTHING is gone....they cover up all the statues, they strip everything off the alter etc etc. All parishes even remove the holy water.

It helps us enter deeper into the mystery. During lent....we really are called to travel more inward...and by removing/covering all the external features in churches/homes that lift our eyes up, our eyes are asked to turn themselves more at our own souls.

Also, it's a practice that makes easter time even more powerful as when you come into the church on easter and the church is decked out more than at any other time of the year......it makes it more powerful

We humans, having a dual nature....that of both spirit and physical bodies......use the physical senses/objects to help touch us spiritually. The church has known this for centuries and has been using such symbolism ever since.